Writer: Matt Fraction
Artist: Ryan Sook
Inks: Wade Von Grawbadger
Letters: Clayton Cowles with Ryan Sook
Commissioner Vandal Savage is coming! Mayor Pamela Isley has approved Savage’s plan to take out the Bats, and his Tactical Urban Combat Officers are sweeping the city, taking out all of the Bat Bunkers they can find. Bruce and Barbara have implemented a plan to clear out as many bunkers as possible, while attempting to distract TUCO from their mission. Batman, Signal, Batgirl (Stephanie Brown), and Damian are excellent as the boots on the ground team, while Barbara coordinates as Oracle.
Jeremy: There’s a great scene between Bruce and not-Alfred concerning Damian, where they discuss the fact that Bruce has been punishing Damian since his “mistake,” and Alfred tells Bruce to instead be a father and correct the problem, instead of avoiding it. While this is a touching scene, there still has been no real explanation of Alfred’s presence. Obviously, he’s being used by Bruce to work out some issues, but portraying it as an actual out loud conversation just makes Bruce look crazy. Ultimately, Bruce switches missions with Damian, in an effort to show he still trusts him. It is a moving father-son moment.
Foggy: I loved the scene with Bruce and “Alfred.” I don’t see Bruce standing there talking to the air, I see this as a conversation going on in his head. It’s more of his conscience directing his actions. I think Alfred had such a profound impact on Bruce that his words are still profound. This conversation leads to Bruce making a decision to let Damian have a more prominent role in their operation. Very nice moment in the maturation of Bruce and Damian’s relationship.
Mundy: One glaring absence from the lineup is Tim Drake. Stephanie asks where he is. Damian says he’s “on sabbatical,” and “in a relationship.” Stephanie reacts with a bit of unnecessary violence, clearly unhappy with that answer, and acting out. More on that later…? Also, we see Tim briefly, spotting some commotion outside, and clearly wishing he was part of the action, but choosing to stay with Bernard. Again, more to come, I’m sure. Keep your eyes peeled for developments.
Foggy: I loved Tim and Bernard in Tim’s solo book, but this bit seemed a bit out of place here. It went no where and paused the action briefly. Perhaps Jeremy is right and there is now tension with Tim and Stephanie.
Mundy: Ryan Sook’s action sequences are spectacular! My favorite is a two-pager where Batman swoops in to save Signal’s bacon. Batman’s movement in avoiding gunfire is depicted beautifully.
Foggy: Concur. Sook is an excellent choice to fill in.
Mundy: This leads to the reveal of what Damian has been up to. He was shown planting explosives, but it’s not been clear where until now. Bruce and Damian reunite on a grassy hill outside of Wayne Manor, with Bruce repeating the mantra of this issue: “Trust the plan.” Another mushy father-son conversation occurs (just kidding, it’s wonderful), and culminates in Damian blowing the Manor into oblivion. I feel like as much as Matt Fraction has already shaken up the status quo, this move in particular is a point of no return for his run, or as much as it can be in comics, where continuity no longer has any real meaning.
Foggy: I agree Mundy. The stakes seem really high. Bruce takes out his own home to defend his city. This entire issue seems to have really high stakes. Each character is in danger as the strike team tries to take them out. Bruce is equally up to the task, willing to destroy his childhood home.
Mundy: It was no secret that this issue would lead directly into BARBARA GORDON: BREAKOUT. Barbara’s “farewell” speech to the Bat Family is heartfelt and inspiring. The kids’ reactions are telling. Signal’s confusion. Stephanie’s worry. Damian’s realization.
The final scene is absolute perfection. We cut to talking head news anchors, telling us of the explosion, the TUCO mission, and the arrival of a police transport at the courthouse. We then see Barbara’s perp walk. She’s obviously been roughed up a little; glasses broken, nose and mouth bloodied. The true genius here is that this final page is directly next to a preview of Barbara Gordon: Breakout. Perfectly planned, or serendipity…who knows? Well executed, either way.
Foggy: I hadn’t planned on getting the Barbara Gordon series, but now I feel compelled to. This whole sequence was very powerful. Seeing Barbara roughed up, in cuffs, with Savage and Isley in charge creates great stakes.
Mundy: 4.5/5 Batarangs!
BATMAN 9 is high octane action, beautifully depicted, all while progressing the story Fraction has been building since the beginning. I’ve been enjoying his use of characters and subplots that pop up, then seemingly disappear, only to reappear and pay off later. It’s honestly kind of changed my overall expectations of a monthly comic. While I still don’t totally buy the stand alone issue theory, I am loving what he’s building here. There are levels and layers, constantly building toward what feels like something big that will certainly change the characters, at least until the next creative team comes along.
Foggy: 4/5 Batarangs
I remember this book being announced. When I saw Fraction’s name, I knew it would be must-check out, but was worried that it could become a little to “out there” in the “Adventureman” kind of way. Well, we got Fraction who clearly understands how to build a story, Matt Fraction. As Mundy says, there are layers and layers here. The story continues to build. For me, I can’t wait to see Minotaur return….The Ojo……..The Joker…….The good Dr………ah, you get the point. Fraction is building a classic here.
To find out what’s going on with Barbara, go here.
